2011 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay

Owned by the Talley Family, who have farmed Southern San Luis Obispo County for three generations, the Rincon Vineyard dates back to 1982. Planted just 8 miles Northeast of the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard has soils that are reminiscent of Burgundy, in particularly the Côte de Nuits with its steep terrain. Working closely with the Talley Family, Testarossa owners, Rob and Diana Jensen, and Director of Winemaking Bill Brosseau, have created this very exceptional Chardonnay with classic old world flavors.

The 2011 growing season in the Arroyo Grande Valley was one of the coolest and wettest on record with above average rainfall. The Arroyo Grande Valley was spared the late spring frost that impacted other growng districts, allowing the Chardonnay fruit to fully ripen, though with lower yields. The exceptional property Chardonnay was picked on September 29, 2011. This 2011 release is our second vintage from this exceptional property.

Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit was carefully hand sorted. A gentle gravity flow process is used throughout the winery. The Chardonnay juice went through primary fermentation in 60 gallon French oak cooperage with native yeasts. ten percent of the barrels were new, allowing more fruit expression. Secondary malo-lactic conversion occurred naturally. This RinconVineyard Chardonnay was allowed ten months of sur-lie barrel aging prior to bottling. Nine barrels were produced.

"Medium yellow hue. Notes of mango, dried apricot, ripe fig and a dash of vanilla bean make for a pleasing first impression on this wine. Upon taste, notes of mango and fig fade to the background while apricot segues from dried to fresh in nature. Brisk acidity and subtle oak preserve this mineral-laden wine all the way through to the finish. Drink now through 2020."
~Bill Brosseau